Ko Olina Beachfront Penthouse

The art of storytelling through movement is embedded in the ancient Hawaiian culture of luau.  Several luau packages are available from Paradise Cove Luau, located just a fifteen minute walk from Ko Olina.  Packages include afternoon snorkeling options, Mai Tais on arrival, and a full buffet meal during the show.

Tickets range from $86 to $182 per adult and $66 to $138 per child.  For more information about specific packages or to make a reservation, check out www.paradisecovehawaii.com.

Jazz Minds Art Cafe, located on Kapiolani Boulevard about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, will host the Patrick Koh Jazz Ensemble tomorrow, June 26.  The band, which features the traditional jazz sounds of bass, drums, keyboard, flute, and saxophone, will play a series of standard jazz songs.

The performance will last from 9 pm until about 2 am and is open to all dedicated jazz fans.  For more information, check out www.honolulujazzclub.com.

Laniakea Beach of Oahu, about 45 minutes from Ko Olina, is known for its spectacular abundance of marine turtles.  Since human interactions with turtles has increased significantly in the last few years from regular scuba diving and snorkeling, the Laniakea turtle population has become less elusive and more accustomed to seeing humans.

This beach is easily accessible from Kamehameha Highway.  In the interest of protecting Hawaii’s wildlife, do not feed, touch, or attempt to ride turtles and always maintain a safe distance.

The Hawaii State Fair will conclude this weekend, June 22 through 24.  The fiftieth annual state fair, the concluding weekend will have a range of activities for individuals of all ages, including traditional fair food and favorite Hawaiian flavors, games, rides, and musical entertainment.

Fair events take place at the Aloha Stadium, about 30 minutes from Ko Olina.  Parking costs $5 per vehicle.  Events take place from 6pm until closing on Fridays, 4pm until closing on Saturdays, and noon until closing on Sundays.  For more information, check out http://alohastadium.hawaii.gov/info/press-releases/the-50th-state-fair.

The Three Tables area of Oahu’s North Shore, about 50 minutes from Ko Olina, is a popular destination for snorkelers, scuba divers, and beach lovers in the summertime because of its clear waters, reef areas, and well-preserved beach.  Because this area is protected by the Pupukea Beach Marine Sanctuary, it is abundant with sea life, including colorful fish, bright coral, and other engaging aquatic creatures.

Named for the three, flat table-like reefs visible during low tide, the best snorkeling is at the reefs themselves where fish tend to congregate.  For more information, check out http://hawaii.gov/dlnr/dar/mlcd_pupukea.html.

Waimea Falls cascade down a series of natural stone steps into the Waimea Bay.  Located just 55 minutes from Ko Olina, these falls are best accessed from the Waimea Valley Audubon Center and botanical gardens near the North Shore during the summer months.  There, families can enjoy a picnic along the water, swim in the calm open bay, and enjoy the lush forest flora.

For more information, visit the Audubon Center at 59-864 Kamehameha Highway or call (808) 638-9199.  Admission costs $8 for adults and $5 for children, and the center is open year round.

The Bishop Museum planetarium, located about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, will be showing the documentary film “Coral Rekindling Venus” from now through July 2.  The film takes an in-depth look at the current state of the world’s coral reefs and rare marine life to reveal the effects of global climate change.  Artist Lynette Wallworth hopes the film will inspire her audience to better appreciate the complexity and precariousness of coral reefs.

Admission to the Bishop Museum costs $17.95 for adults and $14.95 for children and seniors.  Members receive a discount.  The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm.  Check out www.bishopmuseum.org for more information about planetarium showtimes and ongoing events.

The Venue in Honolulu, located about 30 minutes from Ko Olina, will continue its weekly Monday Movie series.  The next film will be shown next Monday, June 11.  Featured films generally include documentaries and independent films.

The showing will begin at 7pm, and admission costs $10.  For more information or for a complete movie schedule, check out www.bambutwo.com or call Don Brown at (808) 223-0130.